Hundreds of volunteers turned out on Earth Day to launch the first part of a major reforestation project at the Oaks Landfill in Laytonsville. The project was made possible by a $25,000 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to the Montgomery Soil Conservation District.

The corps of volunteers, that included County Executive Ike Leggett, students from local high schools, Master Gardeners and other residents of all ages, planted 600 trees on a portion of the 10-acre site adjacent to the landfill that operated from 1982 to 1997. Eventually, the entire 10 acres is slated for tree planting.

Taking time out from planting, Leggett talked with various volunteers. Among them were Sonia D’Agnese and her children, Ugo and Enia.